I consider myself quite skilled at buying and negotiating for a new car (so humble, I know ) but it has been 3 decades since I’ve purchased a used car and I am outside my comfort zone/expertise level. We’re in the position now of helping a family member replace a car and I’m wanting your hive mind of advice.
Also, tangentially related, if a small time automotive shop screws up resulting in engine failure (and there is photographic proof) is there any chance of some compensation or not? Fortunately, the vehicle was older and high mileage so wasn’t worth a lot of $$ but was still functioning fine before this.
Late model used car buying isn’t so much different than new car buying. Granted, you don’t have the “invoice price” to negotiate against. But you have an active market for used car sales. Check the used car sites to get a feel for pricing. Find a car, and work them over. It’s your money, don’t hand it over unless you’re comfortable.
As for the recovery against the auto shop, maybe small claims court. Would depend how much you’re looking for. What does the shop say?
Haven’t broached it with them yet. Just found out today from the mechanic at the dealership where the vehicle was towed. Getting my ducks in a row first and strategizing before tackling it.
I know KBB is a good site to use for pricing new cars and carfax for tracking history.
Consumer Reports is a good source of information on reliability and practicality(they rate cars best for young drivers, seniors, etc); your library will have copies and may allow internet access through their website(our library does).
Regarding the damage done which resulted in engine failure, it will depend on 1. proof that their negligence/error/whatever caused the engine failure and 2. how will you calculate damages, which can be a bit of a challenge in an older vehicle.
I usually do a search on Autotrader to see what’s out there in my price range and then if I see something that interests me I google the year make and model reviews. You have to make sure the reviews are for a used version of it, but I’ve found that to be helpful.
I’ve had good luck with used Toyotas and lexuses. Lexi??
Is there a CARMAX near you? I’m not a big fan of buying used, but I know it’s more cost effective than buying new. We bought my son a car from CARMAX, and paid less than another dealer with a similar but not as nice same model car.
We just had a really good experience at Carmax, of all places. They gave us the largest trade-in value by far (same price whether we walked out with a check or applied it to a car). Of course we were feeling ‘rich’ with the trade-in price so actually did buy a three year old Lexus which just came off lease (we too have had good luck with our used Lexi!). The car prices are not negotiable, but we got a great deal per blue book and cargurus dot com
@doschicos - I have bought several used cars in recent years. You can find the car model you want via reviews and personal experience but I find it pays to know something more about the one car you buy before you commit.
Here are my hints…
I always check is the “car facts” report - every car has a VIN number and that VIN is used to register sales, repairs and registrations. You can tell if a car was a lease vehicle or a fleet vehicle - leases can be great but avoid fleet as that often means rental use and we all know how nice people are to rental cars. It will also tell you where the car was operated and when it was sold or if was reported as being in an accident.
Don’t be scared away by cars bought at auction - most leased cars will go to auction after they are turned in.
Once you’ve found a car with a clean history if you have a local mechanic you trust the best insurance is paying for them to look a car over. If they will be repairing it, they’ll have a vested interest in making sure they call out all the issues in advance.
We rarely buy new. We tend to buy cpo’s as they have extended warranties and are certified. Never had a problem with a cpo. We tend to buy against the market. So when gas was sky high we bought a huge suv with big savings as a cpo. I would stay away from german cars and infinities not on cpo. Toyota, Honda and Mazda I would buy non-cpo at a new car dealer. I would never buy a used car anywhere else as they have skin in the game for reputation and tend to wholesale out the problem cars.
I am not a good negotiator and do not believe I will get the best price in a negotiation. Moreover, I do not know anyone who wants to do it for me. So, problem solved, I buy my cars at CarMax. I have always gotten great cars at a price that feels fair to me.
I bought my last vehicle at CarMax and took it directly to my mechanic for a full once over. CarMax has a 7 day return policy, full refund. You definitely want to be on the look out for a salvage or previously flooded vehicle.
“I’ve had good luck with used Toyotas and lexuses. Lexi??”
I think we’ll be looking at Toyotas and Subarus.
“I’m not a big fan of buying used, but I know it’s more cost effective than buying new.”
Same here hence why I haven’t bought used in a long, long time. We tend to buy new and hold for a very long time. My husband is really good about making sure the cars are well cared for and therefore they last a long, long time. I’m skittish about buying used because I don’t think a lot of people treat their cars well. In this instance, the car will be living on city streets so doesn’t make sense to us to buy new under those circumstances. Although, if there are any really good deals out there, I’m open to it. It seems like car sales aren’t super strong right now?
Check KBB, check carfax, take it to a mechanic you trust if they’ll let you (if they won’t that may be a red flag). Toyotas, Subarus, and Hondas tend to do the best as used cars in my opinion. Carmax is great but seems to be getting more costly as they get more popular.
I don’t mind the negotiating bit so if I can get a better deal on my own vs. Carmax, I’m willing to do so. I know a lot of people hate it but it doesn’t bother me. But I’ll definitely take a look at what Carmax has in my area.
I think you can also pay a fee to have Carmax ship a car form another location to a carmax near you.
When I was researching Subaru’s in 2015, I found it wasn’t much more expensive to buy a bottom of the line Impreza than it was to get a used one.
Depending on where you are and where you’re buying from, make sure you’re not getting a car that could have been in a flood or other natural disaster recently.
I think certified preowned offers some of the best deals, if you can find a car with low mileage.
From memory, a new Subaru has a three year 36,000 mile warranty.
CPO seven year 100,000 mile warranty. Find a two year old car with around 20,000 and you have peace of mind for five years.
) but it has been 3 decades since I’ve purchased a used car and I am outside my comfort zone/expertise level. We’re in the position now of helping a family member replace a car and I’m wanting your hive mind of advice.